Hamilton recognized for lifetime achievement

For the length of his professional career, the Honorable Glenn S. Hamilton, has watched out for the well-being of the residents of this area.

During his several decades as Madison County Probate Judge, Hamilton had served the individuals associated with the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities as an appointing authority for two members of the Board.

On March 27, Hamilton’s commitment to appointing strong advocates of people with disabilities was recognized as he was awarded the prestigious Dorothy Allison Lifetime Achievement Award. Named after Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ founder, that presentation capped off a wonderful night at the 24th annual appreciation awards, coinciding with March’s statewide Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

The event, held at Fairhaven School with an enthusiastic crowd numbering more than 200 strong, honored those individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

It was focusing on those positive abilities by which the following annual recognition awards were presented. Superintendent Jim Canney introduced each recipient with words from the winners’ nominators themselves. Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities Board Vice President Diane Miller-Ryan, as well as Sue Hackett (representing her husband, State Representative Bob Hackett), assisted with distributing the awards.

Consumer awards went to adult enrollees Mike Ellis and Leah McCarter. Ellis was acknowledged for his strong work ethic and self-advocacy leadership, while McCarter was commended for her personal growth and vocational dedication.

Dr. Saleem Khan was applauded for his work with a number of individuals with disabilities through his medical practice.

Blaine Brockman was praised for his advocacy efforts. Brockman is the current president of the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Emily Davis and Mike Birk were praised for their public awareness efforts. Davis, a West Jefferson High School student, began a 4-H group for individuals with disabilities. Birk, a golf professional, provided assistance to the Madison County Special Olympics golf team

CRSI (Champaign Residential Services, Incorporated) Home Manager Judy Coy was applauded for her work with the people under her care. Cappy’s Pizza was recognized for the business’ commitment to helping the Special Olympics program.

Rounding out the individual awards were Su and Rob Wheeler of Su’s Tasteful Solutions in the category of Organization/Agency. The Wheelers were thanked for their sponsorship of fundraising dinners for Madison County’s Special Olympics program.

Also included on the award form were the names of four Developmental Disabilities consumers who had passed away during the past year. Eva Artis, Randy Hay, Tom Manning and Ray Yutzy will all be remembered as integral Madison County community members.

All in attendance enjoyed a meal catered by Su’s Tasteful Solutions (served by representatives of St. Patrick School) and made possible through sponsorship from Madison County Community Housing, Inc., as well as Friends of Fairhaven.